16:44, Mon, Mar 18, 2024 | UPDATED: 16:48, Mon, Mar 18, 2024
Jaws dropped in Downing Street this afternoon as former US president Barack Obama turned up for a surprise meeting with Rishi Sunak.
Mr Obama’s motorcade swept into the street at 3pm, with the former President confidently strolling up to the famous black door and waving to the media.
Wearing a light-grey suit with a black polka dot tie, Mr Obama posed on the doorsteps but was not greeted by Rishi Sunak.
Shortly after, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman revealed the meeting was a private meeting amid the President’s visit to London.
The spokesman added: “He was making an informal courtesy drop-in as part of his trip to London, where he is conducting work of the Obama Foundation”.
Obama arrives at No. 10 (Image: Getty)
Rishi Sunak did not greet Mr Obama on the doorstep (Image: Getty)
The duo met in Mr Sunak’s study for around 10 minutes, with No. 10 revealing it was President Obama’s team that initiated the meeting.
He added that Mr Sunak was “very happy to meet with him”.
The shock arrival of the 44th President for an unexplained meeting sparked jokes on social media, as the footage reminded users of the surprise arrival of David Cameron on the day of Mr Sunak’s last reshuffle.
One user joked that he was becoming Britain’s “surprise new Prime Minister”.
Another quipped that he must be replacing Lord Cameron as Foreign Secretary.
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The President said he was 'tempted' to answer press questions (Image: Getty)
The PM's spokesman said the President requested the meeting (Image: Getty)
Similar jokes were also made that he could be being appointed Leader of the Commons and replacing Penny Mordaunt, after a weekend of briefings that right-wing Tories want her to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader.
Another suggested President Obama’s visit must be “because he wanted to have a catch-up with his old friend… Larry [the cat]”.
Upon leaving No. 10, the President was asked whether he’d answer press questions, quipping “I’m tempted!”.
He left Downing Street at 16:13.
No photos from Mr Sunak’s private meeting with the former world leader have yet been released.
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